Local trooper dies in motorcycle crash

CONWAY -- A Washington State Patrol trooper from Marysville died Friday from injuries in an on-duty motorcycle accident in Skagit County.

Trooper Sean O'Connell, 38, was a 16-year veteran of the state patrol. He made his home in Snohomish County and was based in Marysville. He leaves behind a wife and two young children, patrol spokesman Bob Calkins said.

O'Connell had been working traffic control in Skagit County when his motorcycle collided with a box truck. He succumbed to his injuries at an area hospital.

"Did I say we lost a great trooper? We lost a great human being," Patrol Chief John R. Batiste said at a news conference.

O'Connell was known for the joy he took in the job and his sense of humor, Calkins said.

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